Employers
HelpRefugeesWork brings you in contact with motivated candidates in a direct and efficient manner. Register for free, show your support for an important humanitarian cause, increase your candidates' pool and identify opportunities for CSR initiatives!
Refugees are people with skills and professions who have been forced to flee their homes, and are eager to quickly re-build their lives in new countries. They are highly motivated to work, to support themselves and to succeed, in order to improve their lives and the lives of their families.
Refugees bring new skills and cultural diversity to their host communities, and to the organisations and companies they join. Refugees want nothing more than to have a normal life again. Offering them job opportunities can therefore be a real win for your company's growth and success.
HelpRefugeesWork encourages businesses operating in Cyprus to contribute to the integration of refugees into the economic, social and cultural fabric of this wonderful country.
The platform provides you with a totally free tool that facilitates direct and effective communication with a diverse pool of refugees who can become part of your company's success.
Your role is crucial.
HelpRefugeesWork invites you to enrich your business with new talents and capacities, and contribute to shaping a more tolerant and inclusive society. For any further info please do not hesitate to contact us.
FAQ for Employers
Are refugees eligible to work in Cyprus?
Yes. Persons who have Refugee status, Subsidiary Protection and Temporary Protection, have full access to the Republic of Cyprus' labour market, to vocational training and qualification accreditation, under the exact same conditions that apply for nationals, immediately upon receiving that International Protection status.
Note: Asylum-seekers have restricted access to the labour market, and special procedures and criteria apply. Because of these restrictions, asylum-seekers are not included within the scope of the HelpRefugeesWork platform.
Is there any special procedure to follow in order to hire a refugee?
For Recognized Refugees, Subsidiary Protection Holders and Temporary Protection Holders, the procedures and the obligations of the employer including standard procedures with the Tax Department and Social Insurance Services. are exactly the same with those applying for Cypriot citizens. No extra paperwork or special permissions are required.
On the other hand, for asylum seekers, limitations apply. Although the standard procedures with Tax Department and Social Insurance are the same, asylum seekers are currently allowed to work 9 months after they apply for asylum, in specific employment sectors, and only after an application by the employer asking permission to hire an asylum seeker, is approved by the Labour Department.
What types of identification documents do refugees hold?
Refugees in the Republic of Cyprus will typically hold one or more of the following documents on which their status is indicated:
- An official letter issued by the asylum authorities on which the status granted to the individual (Recognized Refugee or Subsidiary Protection) and the date of the decision is indicated.
- A residence permit issued by the Migration Department under the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection. This is a small ID card, similar to those held by Cypriot citizens.
NOTE: Residence permits are renewable and there are often delays reported in their issuance. However, the right of a refugee to work is not affected.
- A Convention Travel Document issued to individuals with refugee status (Recognized Refugees) in accordance with Cyprus’ obligation under the 1951 Refugee Convention. It is a green document, providing similar information as national passports and renewable every three years.
NOTE: Not all refugees hold a Convention Travel Document since it is not obligatory to apply for one. Also, at the moment, beneficiaries of Subsidiary Protection are not granted a Convention Travel Document.
Are there any special procedures applied for Recognized Refugees and Subsidiary Protection Holders, regarding recognition of their vocational and educational qualifications?
No. Recognized Refugees and Subsidiary Protection Holders may undergo the same accreditation procedures as nationals.
Are Recognized Refugees and Subsidiary Protection Holders eligible to participate in Human Resources Development Authority (HRDA-ΑΝΑΔ) or other state-sponsored on-the-job trainings?
Yes, Recognized Refugees and Subsidiary Protection Holders have access under the same conditions that apply to Cypriot nationals.
Employers in the platform
